We had a chance to slide into the seat of the new Sportsman ACE, Polaris’ latest entry into the ATV market. Wait a minute, you say. Slide into the seat of an ATV? Well, yea, it’s an ATV with many side-by-side attributes.
It’s not as confusing as it might seem, but it is intriguing.
Our chance came in late January near Marble Falls, TX, and it was more than interesting; it really was intriguing.
We’ll have a full report in the next issue of Dirt Toys Magazine.
For now, here is part of the official press release from Polaris as well as a few pictures from our Texas ride.
Minneapolis – Polaris Industries announced the company is defining an entirely new type of off-road vehicle with the introduction of the Sportsman ACE. The vehicle’s architecture is completely new to the industry and features a revolutionary, sit-in chassis that is nimble and comfortable to operate. The design of the new Sportsman ACE provides a confidence-inspired ride, all while being trail-capable, offering an all-new off-road experience.
The revolutionary new design combines the size and nimble handling of the Sportsman All-Terrain Vehicle and the confidence and comfort of the Ranger and RZR side-by-sides, in a rider-centric design with a trail-capable and easily-transportable 48-inch width.
A comfortable and confidence-inspiring centralized seating position connects the driver directly with the machine for a new off-road riding experience. Polaris also positioned all the major components, including the driver, centralized between the four wheels for an incredibly responsive ride. The Sportsman ACE boasts 10.25 inches of ground clearance and 9.5 inches of rear travel due to its fully independent rear suspension outfitted with performance, twin tube shocks featuring adjustable preload.
Powering the Sportsman ACE is an all-new 32 horsepower ProStar Electronic Fuel Injected engine featuring an internal counter-balance shaft for smooth, vibration-free power. The dual overhead camshafts and a 4-valve cylinder head work with the advanced engine management system to precisely deliver the fuel charge for impressive power and instant, predictable throttle response; while the lightweight efficient transmission captures every ounce of power to deliver it to the ground.
For a secure and comfortable ride, the Sportsman ACE has a unique ROPS cab frame only previously found on side-by-sides. The secure, high-backed, adjustable bucket seat is paired with an adjustable steering wheel to give the driver unmatched flexibility when it comes to comfort in the machine. It’s also equipped with a 3-point seat belt, and has side bolsters to keep the operator properly positioned in the center of the machine. The steering wheel offers 3.5 inches of tilt adjustment and the driver’s seat slides back and forth by 4 inches to customize the fit for the rider.
For the utmost confidence on the trail, the Sportsman ACE is equipped with the same legendary On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive system found on all Polaris off-road vehicles. The system eliminates the guesswork by automatically engaging when the rider needs more forward traction and then reverts back to two-wheel drive automatically when the AWD is no longer needed.
Takeshi Hayasaki Appointed President, Suzuki Motor Of America
Suzuki Motor of America has announced the appointment of Takeshi Hayasaki as president. Hayasaki, a long-serving executive of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has many years of experience in the motorcycle/ATV industry and began his new position Dec. 16. The company also announced that Takao Kudo has been named executive vice president and will oversee the new After Sales Operations group.
“Suzuki Motor of America is well-positioned right now for growth,” Hayasaki said, “with a new company focused on the recreational powersports industry and exciting new models for 2014. I’m eager to work with Suzuki staff and dealers to continue this growth and brand momentum. We are creating opportunities for Suzuki dealers and Suzuki enthusiasts nationwide.”
Hayasaki served as assistant to the president of American Suzuki Motor Corp. from 1996 through 2002, overseeing strong growth in the company’s motorcycle/ATV division. Under Hayasaki leadership Suzuki launched several key models in the USA, such as the 1999 Hayabusa and QuadSport Z400 ATV. He gained a wide range of international experience in sales and marketing, working with Suzuki distributors in Canada, Australia, Europe and Latin America. His broad understanding of sales and marketing as well as vehicle production and distribution will allow him to serve the U.S. market well again.
“We’re glad to have Mr. Hayasaki’s business experience and leadership as we plan for continued growth,” Larry Vandiver, Suzuki’s Motorcycle/ATV vice president, said. “The introduction of new products such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and the Burgman 200 ABS shows just part of our growth plan, and Mr. Hayasaki’s experience will help Suzuki Motor of America with these new products and much more.”
Suzuki is creating a new After Sales Operations division that will help SMAI better serve consumers. This division unites parts, accessories and service functions under the leadership of Kudo, who most recently served as Export Motorcycle service manager, leading Suzuki Motor Corporation’s global motorcycle service team. Kudo began working with SMC’s motorcycle service group in 1985, and has visited much of the world, including Australia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, while working to improve Suzuki’s motorcycle, marine and automotive service efficiencies. Kudo’s global service experience will be instrumental as we launch the new After Sales Operations division.
Cat Expects 50 Percent Of Sales To Be ATV/SxS For 2014
When most folks see a financial report from one of the major manufacturers, they usually just gloss over it. We admit that we skim the reports, looking for anything that stands out.
In the latest Fiscal 2014 Third Quarter Results report from Arctic Cat, one thing definitely jumped out at us. There were the usual sales figures for the company’s snowmobiles and ATV/side-by-sides but about half way down the Business Wire story, there was this: “North American retail sales increased 15 percent from the prior-year quarter, with double digit retail sales gains in ATVs, Wildcat side-by-sides and snowmobiles. Year to date, these retail gains have allowed Arctic Cat's ATV business to gain market share for the 2014 fiscal year and its snowmobile business to gain the most market share in the industry for the 2014 fiscal year.”
That is impressive indeed, but this is what really caught our attention. “Arctic Cat remains focused on further increasing its ATV/side-by-side business as a percent of total sales. The company anticipates that this business will be approximately 50 percent of total company sales for the fiscal 2014 full year. During fiscal year 2013, 45 percent of sales were in the ATV/side-by-side segment, up from 39 percent the previous year. The company continues to advance its growth strategy through new product introductions and international expansion.”
That is quite a statement for a company that built its business on snowmobiles. We’re anxious to see if that expectation does pan out.
Can-Am Outlander 6x6 1000 XT
Available in Finland only—for now?
By now we’re sure you’ve heard about the Can-Am Outlander 6x6 1000, which was designed and built in Scandinavia and is not available in the United States.
Based on the Generation 2 Can-Am Outlander ATV platform, the new 6x6 features the Rotax 1000 V-twin engine, which cranks out 82 hp. The vehicle retails for $17,890 Euros, which is about $24,468 U.S.
Other features include:
- Quick switchable 6-wheel drive and Visco-Lok QE differential
- TTI2-Independent rear axles and quick-release anti-roll bar
- Special slow L gear
- 1,653 lbs. towing capacity
- 800 lbs. load capacity
- Double A-arms front suspension
- Carlisle ACT 26-inch radial tires
- Warn winch with roller fairlead
- 3-mode Dynamic Power Steering
- Unique two-level luggage compartment and modular accessories
- Dry weight: 1,135 lbs.
Polaris Military-Grade Consumer Work Vehicle
Sportsman WV850 H.O. all-terrain vehicle features terrain armor non-pneumatic tires
We first told you about Polaris’ release of its new military-grade all-terrain vehicle featuring Terrain Armor Non-Pneumatic Tires last November on www.dirttoysmag.com. The new Sportsman WV850 H.O. with Terrain Armor was available late last year in very limited quantities.
Early last year, Polaris Defense started offering NPT tires as an option for its military vehicles. The technology is beneficial for military work due to the fact the tires never go flat. Polaris has tested NPTs under several extreme situations, including logging more than 350 miles/563 kilometers after receiving fire from a 50-cal round and driving 1,000 miles/1609 kilometers with a 3 in/7.6 cm railroad spike in the tread and webbing.
Beyond having no flats, consumers will appreciate the other benefits Terrain Armor tires offer including a better center-of-gravity, improved cornering due to less pushing and the capability for the tires to be designed for a diverse range of applications.
The vehicle includes:
• A military-grade fully automatic single-speed transmission including forward and reverse gears
• An upgraded shock package that offers superior handling under heavy load or while traversing rugged landscape
• An increased cooling capacity for long days and high temperatures
• Steel racks capable of carrying 600 lbs/272 kgs of cargo
• A 2 in/5.1 cm receiver hitch that can tow 1,500 lbs/680kgs
• A standard 3,500 lb winch for confidence in extreme settings
To enable long days at work while enhancing the operator’s effectiveness and comfort, the Sportsman WV850 H.O. features:
• An unmatched 11.75 gal/44.48 liter fuel capacity to work longer between fills
• Wider foot wells to accommodate larger work footwear
• Standard Electronic Power Steering to reduce fatigue and terrain feedback
The Sportsman WV850 H.O. with Terrain Armor was built to meet the rugged demands of the hunt or endless hours on the work site, and shares the same Avalanche Gray color as its hard-working utility counterpart the Polaris BRUTUS.
More information about the WV850 H.O. can be found at www.terrainarmor.com
